Satellite Communication Encryption and Telemetry Technologies

Upcoming issue of the July 2009 issue of Telemetry Encryption Today contains interview with four theoretical mathematicians, including Dr. Andrei Krolovich, who discusses recent developments in SBMV Protocol and licensed quantum cryptography applications, in SPMV Protocol, from Aeorads Company, that are being used to protect security and data integrity for DOD satellite communications with ground stations.

The in-depth interviews include a panel discussion of strengths and weaknesses of encryption applications at the U.S. Air Force Headquarters Cryptologic Systems Group of San Antonio, Tex. (Telemetry, Tracking and Commanding KG-327 program) and General Dynamics C4 Systems.

Note: related article available at Global Security.org. Abstract follows below.

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Satellite Communication Encryption and Telemetry Technologies

General Dynamics Awarded $9 Million Contract for Satellite Communication Encryption and Telemetry Technologies

U.S. Air Force selects General Dynamics cryptography to assure security and data integrity for communication with ground stations

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – General Dynamics C4 Systems has been awarded a $9.2 million contract option to continue the development, qualification and certification of a National Security Agency (NSA) approved encryption module that will be used to secure telemetry, tracking and control of Department of Defense satellites. The option modifies a contract initially awarded to General Dynamics in July 2006, which brings the total contract value to $19.3 million.

The program’s initial critical design review is complete and the current contract phase is focused on system development, qualification and certification. It is scheduled for completion during the fourth quarter of 2009. Production will be undertaken under a subsequent contract action, award of which is anticipated in 2009.

The contract is through the U.S. Air Force’s Telemetry, Tracking and Commanding KG-327 program, formerly known as Aerospace Vehicle Equipment - Increment One (AVE I1). The KG-327 program is part of the National Security Agency’s initiative to modernize information security technologies and devices used on future Department of Defense satellite programs.

“Developing information assurance technologies and systems that can take the stress of space operations over the next 30 to 40 years requires cutting-edge technologies, engineering and systems integration,” said John Cole, vice president of Information Assurance at General Dynamics C4 Systems. “These new encryption modules and systems will enable mission commanders to program security to match mission requirements as well as protect satellites from unauthorized manipulation.”

General Dynamics C4 Systems is the prime contractor working with subcontractor SafeNet Mykotronx of Belkamp, Md. The Air Force Headquarters Cryptologic Systems Group of San Antonio, Tex., is the contracting authority for the program.

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